This document discusses Ben and Thomas, 3-year-old twins diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome who are in the process of being adopted by their foster parents. It provides information on the characteristics and effects of fetal alcohol syndrome, including cognitive delay, physical abnormalities, and developmental risks. The document also lists local agencies that can provide support to Ben's family, such as speech therapy and early intervention programs that address the health effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

1. By: Kajani Karunaharan
Date: March 22, 2013
ECEP233-001
Chris Cadieux

2. Introduction to the child and family
About Ben and Thomas
 Three year old twins with fetal alcohol syndrome
 Cognitive delay
 Difficulty with impulse control
About Ben’s Family
 Foster parents in the process of adopting the twins
 Dealing with a recent moved to big city (Toronto)
 Family needs an agencies to help them with their situation

3. What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
 “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a term used to describe the range of
permanent disabilities caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.”
(Supposed Inclusion Fact Sheet)

4. Cause/Effect of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
 The cause of fetal alcohol syndrome is when a mother
drinks alcohol during her pregnancy.
 “Children are born with fetal alcohol syndrome is 1% of
people living in Canada” (Supposed Inclusion Fact Sheet)
 The effects are both physical and developmental risks
which will be outlined in future slides.

5. Characteristics of FAS
 Low birth weight
 Small head circumference
 Developmental delay
 Poor coordination/fine motor skills
 Poor socialization skills
 Learning difficulties
 Poor memory problem
 Behavioural problem

6. Physical Development
 Brain damage
 •Facial anomalies

 •Growth deficiencies
 •Defects of the heart, kidneys, and liver
 •Vision and hearing problems
 •Skeletal defects
 •Dental abnormalities

7. Possible Facial Characteristics

8. Adapting Environment
Cognitive Delay
 Using pictures, signs and words to label
 Display toys and materials that are age appropriate
 Allow enough time to adjust situations
 Circle and group time
 Provide one on one support for the child
 Using photographs, pictures and other methods to signal transition

9. Teaching Strategies
 Providing a quiet spot and time alone
 Communicating with the ECE staff and the family to
help Ben and Thomas
 Regular meeting with the family so the ECE is up to
date with their observation/activities the child did

10. How Can The Health Effects of FASD Be Addressed
 Early diagnosis
 Appropriate services
 Stable home
 Individual treatment plans

11. Conclusion for FAS
 Damage is permanent
 Health effects cannot be reversed but can be treated with
appropriate combination of interventions and support
 Only way to prevent FASD is by being alcohol free during
pregnancy
 It is up to a future mother to make the sacrifices
for her Childs future

12. Support Agencies in Toronto
Area for Ben and Thomas

13. Agency: Speech Therapy Centre of Centre
 Four locations one in Toronto
 One-on-One session when the children
 Free parent workshop
 Speech delay and brain injury
 Financing available
 http://www.speechtherapycentres.com/

14. Motherisk: The Hospital for Sick Children
 Dedicated to providing information and guidance to
pregnancy or lactating patients
 Their health care providers regarding the fetal risks
associated with drugs
 www.motherrisk.org

15. Breaking The Cycle
 Unique early identification and prevention program
 Created with holistic approach in mind
 Serves women and children living in high-risk
circumstances
 www.Breakingthecycle.ca

16. Public Health Agency of Canada
 Public Health Agency of Canada offers a variety of
resources including an information booklet, national
reports, and studies on FASD.
 www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fasd-etcaf/publications_e.html

17. Reflection
 I have learned a lot from completing this assignment. I have learned a
lot to help me in my career with the information I have gained. I
learned a lot about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and what happens when a
mother drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. I also learned a lot about
the information when the child is born that there are different
characteristics effects on each child. For example the child would have
low birth weight, poor coordination/fine motor skills, learning
difficulties, behavioural problem and others. All of this knowledge
would help me identify and respond to similar situations in the future.
 What went well was easily being able to obtain a lot of information
through the web, there is a lot of information to help mothers and
educators address these issues. Finding the right agency was a little
challenging for me, but overcame those challenges by working extra
hard and spending a lot of time on research. In the future I might read
more scholar articles to obtain greater insights to this issues and how to
better address it in more detail, which I feel would be beneficial to my
career and helping others.

18. Bibliography
 See notes page below